Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she will consider the potential merits of an inquiry into the impacts of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 on the LGBTQ+ community.

The government recognises the devastating impact of Section 28 on LGBT+ people, including the lasting effects felt after its repeal, but does not believe a public inquiry is the right approach.

Public inquiries typically exist to establish facts and learn lessons; given that Section 28 was passed by Parliament, its origins and motivations are readily accessible on the public record. Its impact is also widely acknowledged. In 2009, the then leader of the Conservative Party and later Prime Minister, Rt.Hon Lord David Cameron apologised on behalf of his party for introducing Section 28. More recently, MPs from all parties came together in 2023 for a Westminster Hall Debate held on the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 to reflect on its historic impact and the chilling effect it had. The Act and its impacts continue to be a relevant topic during discussions on LGBT+ equality policy, so the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

Today, the government is prioritising delivery of its 2024 manifesto commitments to advance LGBT+ equality, including inclusive relationships and sex education guidance, the equalisation of hate crime strands through the Crime and Policing Act 2026, work to reduce LGBT+ health inequalities, and we have introduced a draft Bill for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices.